World Cup 2026: Belgium granted appeal after FIFA reversed USMNT's Folarin Balogun 1-game ban after red card

Key Points:

• FIFA initially overturned Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Belgium was granted an appeal that could reinstate the ban before the USMNT vs. Belgium Round of 16 match.
• Both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federations had to submit arguments to FIFA by early Monday, with the appeals decision possibly coming just hours before the game, though no ruling is guaranteed before kickoff.
• The reversal sparked controversy, with UEFA condemning the decision as unprecedented and damaging to the integrity of the competition, emphasizing that automatic suspensions after red cards are non-negotiable.
• Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized the organization, warning against political influence in football decisions, amid reports of U.S. President Donald Trump's involvement in the case.
• Balogun's red card came after video review for stepping on an opponent's ankle, and despite playing with 10 men for the final 30 minutes, the USMNT won 2-0; coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA's ruling, stating the team was already sufficiently penalized.